'Deal Or No Deal' Bankrupt Winner Andy Barker Jailed After Blowing His Windfall

The Huffington Post UK

A contestant on Noel Edmonds' 'Deal Or No Deal' has been jailed after blowing his £35,000 windfall when he was already bankrupt with £61,438 debts.

Andy Barker blew his prize money on holidays, hotels and jewellery in just three months, a court heard.

The 43-year-old plasterer was caught out after one viewer to whom he owed money saw his win on TV and contacted insolvency authorities. It turns out he should have declared the win as he was declared bankrupt in 2011.

Noel Edmonds with Andy Barker

Warwick Crown Court imposed a 13-week prison sentence.

The Sun reports his barrister Tim Pole told the court: “What should have been a joyful moment has become a nightmare.”

Judge Richard Griffith-Jones said: “This was a flagrant breach of your duty to the Official Receiver.”

Barker isn't the first contestant to get in to trouble with the law after appearing on the show.

Caroline Banana, 40, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, admitted six counts of failing to disclose financial changes in her circumstances with the intention of profiting from the situation, North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court confirmed.

She had been facing trial over 10 charges in a prosecution brought by Stoke City Council.

However she admitted the six charges, while the other offences were dismissed.

Benefit claimants must inform the Department for Work and Pensions if their bank balance exceeds £16,000, either due to a windfall or inheritance. However Banana, who appeared on the show in 2011, did not disclose her winnings.